Secure IoT sensing for defence using trusted embedded-device security
Secure IoT sensing research for UK defence.
The Challenge
Defence users increasingly depend on networks of small connected sensors and IoT devices, but such devices are notoriously difficult to secure: they are resource-constrained, often physically exposed, and present a large attack surface if compromised. For a defence customer this is not just an inconvenience — an untrusted sensor network cannot be relied upon for operational decisions.
The Solution
PicoSense was a secure IoT project led by NquiringMinds and funded by DSTL (the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory), applying NQM’s embedded-security and secure-IoT expertise — developed through work such as PicoSec — to security for the Internet of Things in a defence research context. As a 100%-funded DSTL contract, the work was delivered directly to the defence customer.
Outcomes
The engagement contributed to NQM’s track record of secure-IoT delivery for government and defence customers, which continued through ManySecured, SNbD and later DSTL work such as Synapse.
TODO: confirm detailed technical scope, objectives, deliverables and outcomes — not yet documented in available public sources.
Features
Secure IoT research applied to small, constrained sensing devices.
Delivered under a direct DSTL research contract (100% funded).
Brought commercial embedded-IoT security expertise (PicoSec lineage) into the defence research domain.
Benefits
Strengthened NQM's defence secure-IoT credentials with DSTL, preceding later defence engagements (Synapse, MAXAD, R-Cloud work).
Volt features used
Working with
Related Sectors
Cyber Security
The cyber security sector protects systems, networks and data from digital attack. From securing connected devices to establishing trust in software supply chains, it underpins the safe operation of every modern organisation.
Defence
The defence sector encompasses the armed forces and the organisations that equip and support them. Secure data fusion, autonomy and trusted AI are increasingly central to modern defence capability.